Detection of Small Airway Dysfunction in Asthmatic Patients by Spirometry and Impulse Oscillometry System

BACKGROUND

There is no gold standard in diagnosing SAD. Indicators of SAD are considered: (a) a value <65% of predicted values of two of three measures, FEF25-75, FEF50 e FEF75 (FEF+); (b) a value of FEV3/FEV6 < LLN (FEV3/FEV6+); (c) an IOS value of R5-R20 >0.07 kPa·s·L-1 (R5-R20+).

AIM AND OBJECTIVES

The aim of the study was to ascertain, in asthmatic patients, whether spirometry and IOS indicators agree in detecting SAD. We also assessed the relationship between spirometry and IOS indicators and clinical features of asthma.

METHODS

We prospectively recruited adult asthmatic patients. Anthropometric and clinical characteristics were recorded. All patients performed spirometry and IOS tests.

RESULTS

We enrolled 301 asthmatic patients (179 females; mean age 50 ± 16 years) with normal to moderately severe degree of airway obstruction; 91% were non-smokers, 74% were atopic, 28% had an exacerbation in the previous year, and 18% had a poor asthma control by ACT. SAD was diagnosed in 62% of patients through FEF+, in 40% through FEV3/FEV6+ and in 41% through R5-R20+. κ values were 0.49 between FEF+ and FEV3/FEV6+, 0.20 between FEF+ and R5-R20+, 0.07 between FEV3/FEV6+ and R5-R20+. R5-R20+ but not FEF+ and FEV3/FEV6+ was significantly associated with ACT score (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study shows that in mild to moderately severe asthmatic patients, spirometry and IOS indicators are complementary in diagnosing SAD. Additionally, IOS indicator, but not spirometry ones, was related to asthma control.

An Impairment in Resting and Exertional Breathing Pattern May Occur in Long-COVID Patients with Normal Spirometry and Unexplained Dyspnoea

Background: Long-term sequelae, called Long-COVID (LC), may occur after SARS-CoV-2 infection, with unexplained dyspnoea as the most common symptom. The breathing pattern (BP) analysis, by means of the ratio of the inspiratory time (TI) during the tidal volume (VT) to the total breath duration (TI/TTOT) and by the VT/TI ratio, could further elucidate the underlying mechanisms of the unexplained dyspnoea in LC patients. Therefore, we analysed TI/TTOT and VT/TI at rest and during maximal exercise in LC patients with unexplained dyspnoea, compared to a control group. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, we enrolled LC patients with normal spirometry, who were required to perform a cardio-pulmonary exercise test (CPET) for unexplained dyspnoea, lasting at least 3 months after SARS-CoV-2 infection. As a control group, we recruited healthy age and sex-matched subjects (HS). All subjects performed spirometry and CPET, according to standardized procedures. Results: We found that 42 LC patients (23 females) had lower maximal exercise capacity, both in terms of maximal O2 uptake (VO2peak) and workload, compared to 40 HS (22 females) (p < 0.05). LC patients also showed significantly higher values of TI/TTOT at rest and at peak, and lower values in VT/TI at peak (p < 0.05). In LC patients, values of TI/TTOT at peak were significantly related to ∆PETCO2, i.e., the end-tidal pressure of CO2 at peak minus the one at rest (p < 0.05). When LC patients were categorized by the TI/TTOT 0.38 cut-off value, patients with TI/TTOT > 0.38 showed lower values in VO2peak and maximal workload, and greater values in the ventilation/CO2 linear relationship slope than patients with TI/TTOT ≤ 0.38 (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Our findings show that LC patients with unexplained dyspnoea have resting and exertional BP more prone to diaphragmatic fatigue, and less effective than controls. Pulmonary rehabilitation might be useful to revert this unpleasant condition.

Distribution of the Clinical Manifestations of Alpha 1 Antitrypsin Deficiency in Respiratory Outpatients from an Area of Northern Italy

BACKGROUND

Alpha 1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD) is an autosomal codominant genetic condition that affects Caucasians of the European population due to the presence of a deficient allele of the SERPINA1 gene. A frequency of about 1/5,000 individuals has been estimated in Italy.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the study was to evaluate the distribution of the clinical manifestations of severe and intermediate genetic AATD in the geographic area around Parma in Northern Italy.

METHOD

238 subjects were submitted to molecular analysis of the SERPINA1 gene, and data on anthropometric variables, smoking habits, number of packs per year, AAT serum concentration, and clinical manifestations were recorded and presented as mean ± SD or median values (1st quartile; 3rd quartile).

RESULTS

The results show a distribution of genetic AATD of 4.1% of the screened population in the area encompassing the city of Parma. PI*MS and PI*MZ were the most common genotypes at 40.9% and 28.2% of the population with genetic AATD, and asthma and emphysema were the most represented clinical manifestations.

CONCLUSION

Our study allowed to increase the knowledge of the distribution of genetic AATD in Northern Italy providing information regarding frequencies of genotypes and clinical manifestations of the disorder.

Coronavirus Disease 2019: COSeSco - A Risk Assessment Score to Predict the Risk of Pulmonary Sequelae in COVID-19 Patients

BACKGROUND

The presence of interstitial pneumonia in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients, as diagnosed through laboratory, functional, and radiological data, provides potential predicting factors of pulmonary sequelae.

OBJECTIVES

The objectives were the creation of a risk assessment score for pulmonary sequelae at high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) through the assessment of laboratory data, lung function, and radiological changes in patients after the onset of COVID-19 interstitial pneumonia and the identification of predictive factors.

METHODS

We enrolled 121 subjects hospitalized due to COVID-19 pneumonia in our study. Clinical features, Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) score, HRCT score, and blood chemistry data at hospital admission, as well as HRCT score, pulmonary function testing values, exercise capacity by means of a 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT), and dyspnea perception by the modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) at 4-month follow-up, were all recorded. The variables were elaborated in order to create a predictive model to identify patients at high risk of pulmonary sequelae at HRCT.

RESULTS

At the time of follow-up visit, 63% of patients had functional abnormality (diffusion lung capacity and/or total lung capacity <80% of predicted). Age, BMI, CCI, D-dimer, 6MWT, and mMRC were included in the COVID-19 Sequelae Score (COSeSco, ranging 0-15), which was able to individuate COVID-19 patients with radiologic sequelae (HRCT score >10%) at follow-up. The most revelatory COSeSco value that was found to intercept the highest sensitivity (100%) and specificity (77%) was 2.

CONCLUSION

The COSeSco - comprising age, BMI, comorbidities, D-dimer, walking distance, and dyspnea perception - makes it possible to identify particularly at-risk COVID-19 patients who are likely to develop pulmonary sequelae assessed by HRCT.

Detection of Small Airway Dysfunction in Asymptomatic Smokers with Preserved Spirometry: The Value of the Impulse Oscillometry System

Purpose

Smoking-induced bronchiolitis with progressive small airway dysfunction (SAD) is a leading cause of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. We investigated the value of using the impulse oscillometry system (IOS) to detect SAD in asymptomatic smokers with preserved spirometry.

Patients and Methods

We included 75 asymptomatic smokers (37 females, mean age 47±12 years, 26±17 pack/year) with preserved spirometry [forced expiratory volume at 1st second (FEV1)/forced vital capacity (FVC) ≥0.70 and normal FVC] and 34 never-smokers (19 females, mean age 42±15 years).

Results

In smokers, pack/years were significantly related to spirometry and IOS parameters (p < 0.05). The values of the fall in resistance from 5 Hz to 20 Hz (R5 – R20) were significantly and inversely related to the values of the ratio of forced expiratory volume in 3 and in 6 seconds (FEV₃/FEV₆) (p < 0.05). In addition, the percentage of heavy smokers (≥30 pack/year) with R5 – R20 >0.07 kPa·s·L⁻¹, considered as IOS index of SAD, but not with FEV3/FEV6 less than a lower limit of normal, a spirometry index of SAD, was significantly higher than that of mild smokers (<30 pack/year) and never-smokers (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that IOS has the potential to detect SAD in asymptomatic heavy smokers with preserved spirometry and with FEV3/FEV6 values in the normal range. We confirm that IOS provides parameters which can complement traditional measurements of pulmonary function.

The COPD assessment test and the modified Medical Research Council scale are not equivalent when related to the maximal exercise capacity in COPD patients

INTRODUCTION

The management and treatment of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) are based on a cutoff point either of ≥ 10 on the COPD Assessment Test (CAT) or of ≥ 2 of the Medical Research Council (mMRC). Up to now, no study has assessed the equivalence between CAT and mMRC, as related to exercise tolerance in COPD. The aim of this study was to investigate as primary outcome the relationship between CAT and mMRC and maximal exercise capacity in COPD patients. We also evaluated as secondary outcome the agreement between CAT (≥ 10) and mMRC (≥ 2) to categorize patients according to their exercise tolerance.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

118 consecutive COPD patients (39 females), aged between 47 and 85 years with a wide range of airflow obstruction and lung hyperinflation were studied. Maximal exercise capacity was assessed by cardiopulmonary exercise test.

RESULTS

CAT and mMRC scores were significantly related to VO₂ peak (p<0.01). CAT (≥ 10) and mMRC (≥ 2) have a high likelihood to be associated to a value of VO₂ peak less than 15.7 and 15.6 mL/kg/min, respectively. The interrater agreement between CAT (≥ 10) and mMRC (≥ 2) was found to be fair (κ = 0.20) in all patients but slight when they were subdivided in those with VO₂ peak < 15 mL/kg/min and in those with VO₂ peak ≥ 15 mL/kg/min (κ = 0.10 and κ = 0.20 respectively).

CONCLUSION

This study shows that CAT and mMRC are useful tools to predict exercise tolerance in COPD, but they cannot be considered as supplementary measures.

Ventilation Heterogeneity in Asthma and COPD: The Value of the Poorly Communicating Fraction as the Ratio of Total Lung Capacity to Alveolar Volume

BACKGROUND

The ventilation heterogeneity (VH) is reliably assessed by the multiple-breath nitrogen washout (MBNW), which provides indices of conductive (Scond) and acinar (Sacin) VH as well as the lung clearance index (LCI), an index of global VH. VH can be alternatively measured by the poorly communicating fraction (PCF), that is, the ratio of total lung capacity by body plethysmography to alveolar volume from the single-breath lung diffusing capacity measurement.

OBJECTIVES

Our objective was to assess VH by PCF and MBNW in patients with asthma and with COPD and to compare PCF and MBNW parameters in both patient groups.

METHOD

We studied 35 asthmatic patients and 45 patients with COPD. Each patient performed spirometry, body plethysmography, diffusing capacity, and MBNW test.

RESULTS

Compared to COPD patients, asthmatics showed a significantly lesser degree of airflow obstruction and lung hyperinflation. In asthmatic patients, both PCF and LCI and Sacin values were significantly lower than the corresponding ones of COPD patients. In addition, in both patient groups, PCF showed a positive correlation with LCI (p < 0.05) and Sacin (p < 0.05), but not with Scond. Lastly, COPD patients with PCF >30% were highly likely to have a value ≥2 of the mMRC dyspnea scale.

CONCLUSIONS

These results showed that PCF, a readily measure derived from routine pulmonary function testing, can provide a comprehensive measure of both global and acinar VH in asthma and in COPD patients and can be considered as a comparable tool to the well-established MBNW technique.

Air Trapping Is Associated with Heterozygosity for Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Mutations in Patients with Asthma

BACKGROUND

Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD) is a hereditary disorder involving lungs, characterized by low serum concentration of the protein alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) also called proteinase inhibitor (PI). Asthma is common in AATD patients, but there are only few data on respiratory function in asthmatic patients with AATD.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the study was to evaluate lung function in asthmatic outpatients with mutation in the SERPINA1 gene coding for AAT versus asthmatic subjects without mutation.

METHODS

We performed the quantitative analysis of the serum concentration of AAT in 600 outpatients affected by mild to moderate asthma from the University Hospital of Parma, Italy. Fifty-seven of them underwent the genetic analysis subsequently; they were subdivided into mutated and non-mutated subjects. All the mutated patients had a heterozygous genotype, except 1 (PI*SS). We assessed the lung function through a flow-sensing spirometer and the small airway parameters through an impulse oscillometry system.

RESULTS

The values of forced vital capacity (% predicted) and those of the residual volume to total lung capacity ratio (%) were, respectively, lower and higher in patients mutated versus patients without mutation, showing a significantly greater air trapping (p = 0.014 and p = 0.017, respectively). Moreover, patients with mutation in comparison to patients without mutation showed lower forced expiratory volume in 3 s (% predicted) and forced expiratory volume in 6 s (L) spirometric values, reflecting a smaller airways contribution.

CONCLUSIONS

In asthmatic patients, heterozygosity for AAT with PI*MZ and PI*MS genotypes was associated with small airway dysfunction and with lung air trapping.

Beclomethasone/Formoterol in Extra-Fine Formulation Improves Small Airway Dysfunction in COPD Patients

Introduction

In patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), small airway dysfunction (SAD) is a key element and a functional consequence of the pathology. The exact role of SAD as a specific ‘pharmacological target’ represents an important research topic. Our objective was to ascertain whether an extra-fine formulation of beclomethasone dipropionate/formoterol fumarate (BDP/FF) NEXThaler^® 100/6 μg b.i.d. could improve SAD and, consequently, the quality of life of COPD patients.

Methods

We enrolled COPD patients with severe airflow obstruction and at least one moderate exacerbation in the previous year, having started treatment with BDP/FF NEXThaler^® for no more than 1 week. Patients underwent three visits: at the start of the treatment (V1), 6 weeks (V2), and 12 weeks later (V3). At each visit, we evaluated the fall in resistance from 5 to 20 Hz (R5–R20) and residual volume/total lung capacity (RV/TLC) ratio by impulse oscillometry, spirometry, and plethysmography. The COPD Assessment Test (CAT) and the modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) questionnaire were also administered to assess the disease’s impact on quality of life.

Results

We enrolled 43 COPD patients (mean age 69 years, FEV₁ 43%). R5–R20 significantly changed from baseline [0.23 ± 0.09 kPa/(l/s)] to V2 [0.16 ± 0.09 kPa/(l/s)] and V3 [0.16 ± 0.08 kPa/(l/s)] (p < 0.05). Clinical status was also significantly improved compared to baseline; in fact, CAT score changed from an average baseline value of 13–6 and 4 (V2 and V3, respectively) (p < 0.05). A correlation was found between CAT percentage change values and the corresponding ones of R5–R20 (r = − 0.329, p = 0.045) and RV/TLC (r = 0.354, p = 0.029).

Conclusions

In COPD patients, treatment with BDP/FF extra-fine formulation improved functional parameters related to small airway disease as well as the disease impact on health status.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier, NCT04421742.

Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency is significantly associated with atopy in asthmatic patients

BACKGROUND

Although the etiology and disease mechanisms of asthma and alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD) are distinct, several reports indicate that asthma is common in AATD patients, however the relationships between asthma and AATD are poorly described in the literature.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the study was to investigate in a cohort of outpatients affected by mild to moderate asthma the clinical features that may differentiate asthmatic patients with and without mutation on SERPINA1 gene.

METHODS

Seven hundred thirty-five asthmatic outpatients underwent quantitative analysis of the serum level of alpha-1antitrypsin. According to the literature only sixty-seven out of seven hundred thirty-five asthmatic patients were submitted to genetic analysis to identify AATD and non-AATD subjects. Fifty-eight patients were studied. Clinical and functional data, including lung function, atopy and bronchial hyperactivity, were recorded.

RESULTS

The fifty-eight asthmatic patients were divided in AATD patients (n = 22) and non AATD patients (n = 36), according to genotype. The presence of atopy was significantly higher in patients with AATD than in those without AATD (91% vs. 64%; p = 0.031). AATD patients reported allergic manifestations more than non AATD patients (77% vs. 47%; p = 0.030).

CONCLUSION

Our study shows that the presence of atopy in asthmatic patients with AATD is significantly higher than in asthmatic patients without gene mutation. In addition, a higher percentage of AATD patients self-reported allergic manifestations. No significant differences in respiratory symptoms, physical examination, disease severity or inflammation markers were found between AATD patients and non AATD patients.

Arachidonic Acid and Docosahexaenoic Acid Metabolites in the Airways of Adults With Cystic Fibrosis: Effect of Docosahexaenoic Acid Supplementation

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an autosomal recessive disorder, caused by genetic mutations in CF transmembrane conductance regulator protein. Several reports have indicated the presence of specific fatty acid alterations in CF patients, most notably decreased levels of plasmatic and tissue docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), the precursor of specialized pro-resolving mediators. We hypothesized that DHA supplementation could restore the production of DHA-derived products and possibly contribute to a better control of the chronic pulmonary inflammation observed in CF subjects. Sputum samples from 15 CF and 10 chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) subjects were collected and analyzed by LC/MS/MS, and blood fatty acid were profiled by gas chromatography upon lipid extraction and transmethylation. Interestingly, CF subjects showed increased concentrations of leukotriene B₄ (LTB₄), prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂), and 15-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (15-HETE), when compared with COPD patients, whereas the concentrations of DHA metabolites did not differ between the two groups. After DHA supplementation, not only DHA/arachidonic acid (AA) ratio and highly unsaturated fatty acid index were significantly increased in the subjects completing the study (p < 0.05) but also a reduction in LTB₄ and 15-HETE was observed, together with a tendency for a decrease in PGE_2, and an increase in 17-hydroxy-docosahexaenoic acid (17OH-DHA) levels. At the end of the washout period, LTB₄, PGE₂, 15-HETE, and 17OH-DHA showed a trend to return to baseline values. In addition, 15-HETE/17OH-DHA ratio in the same sample significantly decreased after DHA supplementation (p < 0.01) when compared with baseline. In conclusion, our results show here that in CF patients, an impairment in fatty acid metabolism, characterized by increased AA-derived metabolites and decreased DHA-derived metabolites, could be partially corrected by DHA supplementation.

Non-invasive techniques to assess restrictive lung disease in workers exposed to free crystalline silica

Objectives:

To compare the reliability of spirometry and body plethysmography in detecting restrictive lung disease in clay excavation workers exposed to free crystalline silica (FCS). The exhaled breath condensate (EBC) biomarkers of oxidative stress were also assessed in order to evaluate early lung damage.

Methods:

The study involved 62 workers (58 males and 4 females) at a company that extracts and processes clay.

Results:

Body plethysmography (total lung capacity below the lower normal limit) and spirometry respectively indicated restrictive pattern prevalence rates of 22.6% and 1.6%. EBC 4-hydroxynonenale levels were not sufficiently sensitive to highlight a restrictive deficit, but did distinguish low and high rates of occupational exposure. There was no correlation between plethysmography values and the intensity or duration of exposure.

Conclusions:

Only one out of 14 cases of restrictive deficit diagnosed on the basis of body plethysmography values was also identified by means of spirometry. This finding supports the need to use body plethysmography in the health surveillance of clay workers exposed to FCS.

Pleural tuberculosis: medical thoracoscopy greatly increases the diagnostic accuracy

Our objective was to evaluate the efficacy of a standardised work-up in the diagnosis of pleural tuberculosis (TB) that included fibreoptic bronchoscopy and medical thoracoscopy.

A consecutive series of 52 pleural TB patients observed during the period 2001–2015 was evaluated retrospectively. 20 females, mean (range) age 39.7 (18–74) years, and 32 males, mean (range) age 45.75 (21–83) years, were included (28 non-EU citizens (53.8%)). The diagnosis of TB infections was established by identification (using stains, culture or molecular tests) of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in the pleura, sputum and/or bronchial specimens, or by evidence of caseous granulomas on pleural biopsies. Patients with and without lung lesions were considered separately.

The diagnostic yield of the microbiological tests on pleural fluid was 17.3% (nine out of 52 patients). Among the 18 patients with lung lesions, bronchial samples (washing, lavage or biopsy) were positive in 50% of cases (nine patients). Cultures of pleural biopsies were positive in 63% of cases (29 out of 46 patients); pleural histology was relevant in all patients. Without pleural biopsy, a diagnosis would have been reached in 15 out of 52 patients (28.6%) and in four of them only following culture at 30–40 days.

An integrated diagnostic work-up that includes all the diagnostic methods of interventional pulmonology is required for a diagnosis of pleural TB. In the majority of patients, a diagnosis can be reached only with pleural biopsy.

Diagnosis of tuberculous pleural effusion can be a challenge; medical thoracoscopy greatly increases accuracyhttp://ow.ly/EnY430gubm9

Alexithymia and self-reflectiveness in bronchial asthma

The aim of the study was to investigate the role of alexithymia in bronchial asthma (BA) patients with low respiratory functioning hypothesizing that it could be used to differentiate a group of patients with clinically significant anxiety and depressive symptoms. We also aimed to investigate whether alexithymia was associated with reduced cognitive insight. Patients (n=153) were administered the State- Trait Anxiety Inventory-State subscale, the Beck Depression Inventory, the Toronto Alexithymia Scale, and the Beck Cognitive Insight Scale (BCIS). Alexithymia could help differentiate a group of patients with low respiratory functioning. Twenty-two percent of patients included in this subsample had airway obstruction, and 51% reported severe alexithymia. Patients with severe airway obstruction and high alexithymia (compared to other patients) also reported higher self-reflectiveness, and more depressive symptoms. Clinicians have to be aware of the presence of a subgroup of asthma patients with low respiratory functioning who report severe alexithymia. These patients often report moderate to severe depression and frequent doubts about one's own beliefs.

Prevalence of Small-Airway Dysfunction among COPD Patients with Different GOLD Stages and Its Role in the Impact of Disease

BACKGROUND

In chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients, small-airway dysfunction (SAD) is considered a functional hallmark of disease. However, the exact role of SAD in the clinical presentation of COPD is not yet completely understood; moreover, it is not known whether SAD may have a relationship with the impact of disease.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the prevalence of SAD among COPD patients categorized by the old and the new GOLD classification and to ascertain whether there is a relationship between SAD and impact of disease measured by the COPD Assessment Test (CAT) questionnaire.

METHODS

We prospectively enrolled COPD outpatients from the University Hospital of Parma. Using the impulse oscillometry system (IOS), we assessed the fall in resistance from 5 to 20 Hz (R5-R20), reactance at 5 Hz (X5), and resonant frequency (FRes) as markers of peripheral airway dysfunction. According to R5-R20 ≥0.07 or <0.07, the cohort was also categorized in patients with and without SAD, respectively.

RESULTS

We studied 202 patients. In both GOLD classifications, a progressive increasing distribution of R5-R20 and FRes was reported with a decreasing of X5. Moreover, there was a significant correlation between R5-R20 and CAT (r = 0.527, p < 0.001). Finally, the presence of SAD (OR 11.96; 95% CI 4.53-31.58; p < 0.001) and use of ICS + LABA + LAMA (OR 5.31; 95% CI 1.88-15.02; p = 0.002) were independent predictors of higher impact (CAT score ≥10).

CONCLUSION

In COPD patients, the presence of SAD, as assessed by IOS, progressively increases with GOLD classifications and it is closely related to the high impact of disease on health status.

Exhaled and non-exhaled non-invasive markers for assessment of respiratory inflammation in patients with stable COPD and healthy smokers

We aimed at comparing exhaled and non-exhaled non-invasive markers of respiratory inflammation in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and healthy subjects and define their relationships with smoking habit. Forty-eight patients with stable COPD who were ex-smokers, 17 patients with stable COPD who were current smokers, 12 healthy current smokers and 12 healthy ex-smokers were included in a cross-sectional, observational study. Inflammatory outcomes, including prostaglandin (PG) E2 and 15-F2t-isoprostane (15-F2t-IsoP) concentrations in exhaled breath condensate (EBC) and sputum supernatants, fraction of exhaled nitric oxide (FENO) and sputum cell counts, and functional (spirometry) outcomes were measured. Sputum PGE2 was elevated in both groups of smokers compared with ex-smoker counterpart (COPD: P  <  0.02; healthy subjects: P  <  0.03), whereas EBC PGE2 was elevated in current (P  =  0.0065) and ex-smokers with COPD (P  =  0.0029) versus healthy ex-smokers. EBC 15-F2t-IsoP, a marker of oxidative stress, was increased in current and ex-smokers with COPD (P  <  0.0001 for both) compared with healthy ex-smokers, whereas urinary 15-F2t-IsoP was elevated in both smoker groups (COPD: P  <  0.01; healthy subjects: P  <  0.02) versus healthy ex-smokers. FENO was elevated in ex-smokers with COPD versus smoker groups (P  =  0.0001 for both). These data suggest that the biological meaning of these inflammatory markers depends on type of marker and biological matrix in which is measured. An approach combining different types of outcomes can be used for assessing respiratory inflammation in patients with COPD. Large studies are required to establish the clinical utility of this strategy.

Small airway dysfunction and flow and volume bronchodilator responsiveness in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Background

We investigated whether a relationship between small airways dysfunction and bronchodilator responsiveness exists in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Methods

We studied 100 (20 female; mean age: 68±10 years) patients with COPD (forced expiratory volume in 1 second [FEV₁]: 55% pred ±21%; FEV₁/forced vital capacity [FVC]: 53%±10%) by impulse oscillometry system. Resistance at 5 Hz and 20 Hz (R5 and R20, in kPa·s·L⁻¹) and the fall in resistance from 5 Hz to 20 Hz (R5 – R20) were used as indices of total, proximal, and peripheral airway resistance; reactance at 5 Hz (X5, in kPa·s·L⁻¹) was also measured. Significant response to bronchodilator (salbutamol 400 μg) was expressed as absolute (≥0.2 L) and percentage (≥12%) change relative to the prebronchodilator value of FEV₁ (flow responders, FRs) and FVC (volume responders, VRs).

Results

Eighty out of 100 participants had R5 – R20 >0.03 kPa·s·L⁻¹ (> upper normal limit) and, compared to patients with R5 – R20 ≤0.030 kPa·s·L⁻¹, showed a poorer health status, lower values of FEV₁, FVC, FEV₁/FVC, and X5, along with higher values of residual volume/total lung capacity and R5 (P<0.05 for all comparisons). Compared to the 69 nonresponders and the 8 FRs, the 16 VRs had significantly higher R5 and R5 – R20 values (P<0.05), lower X5 values (P<0.05), and greater airflow obstruction and lung hyperinflation.

Conclusion

This study shows that peripheral airway resistance is increased in the vast majority of patients with COPD, who showed worse respiratory reactance, worse spirometry results, more severe lung hyperinflation, and poorer health status. Small airway dysfunction was also associated with the bronchodilator responsiveness in terms of FVC, but not in terms of FEV₁.

Disease control in patients with asthma is associated with alexithymia but not with depression or anxiety

This observational cohort study investigated the relationship between alexithymia, coping strategies, anxiety, depression, pulmonary function, and disease control in bronchial asthma (BA) patients who attended a tertiary care center between December 2010 and November 2011. Participants (N = 117) were administered self-report scales measuring anxiety, depression, alexithymia, and coping strategies. Pulmonary function expressed as forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory flow rate over the middle 50% of the FVC (FEF25-75) as% predicted and FEV1/FVC as%, fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) in ppb and the Asthma Control Test (ACT) were recorded. A hierarchical cluster analysis revealed two clusters of patients with different FEV1 values (p < .001) and alexithymia scores (p < .001). The cluster with lower FEV1 and higher alexithymia used more maladaptive coping strategies (p < .05), and had lower ACT scores (p < .05). Alexithymia was significantly associated with the severity of depression and anxiety symptoms (p < .001 for each comparison). In BA patients, alexithymia was associated with worse pulmonary function and disease control and a more frequent use of maladaptive coping strategies. These results support a multidimensional approach to asthmatic patients, including psychoeducational and behavioral interventions aimed at reducing maladaptive coping strategies.

Small airway dysfunction is associated to excessive bronchoconstriction in asthmatic patients

Background

We investigated whether a relationship between small airways dysfunction and bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR), expressed both in terms of ease of airway narrowing and of excessive bronchoconstriction, could be demonstrated in asthma.

Methods

63 (36 F; mean age 42 yr ± 14) stable, mild-to-moderate asthmatic patients (FEV₁ 92% pred ±14; FEV₁/FVC 75% ± 8) underwent the methacholine challenge test (MCT). The degree of BHR was expressed as PD₂₀ (in μg) and as ∆FVC%. Peripheral airway resistance was measured pre- and post-MCT by impulse oscillometry system (IOS) and expressed as R5-R20 (in kPa sL⁻¹).

Results

All patients showed BHR to methacholine (PD₂₀ < 1600 μg) with a PD₂₀ geometric (95% CI) mean value of 181(132–249) μg and a ∆FVC% mean value of 13.6% ± 5.1, ranging 2.5 to 29.5%. 30 out of 63 patients had R5-R20 > 0.03 kPa sL⁻¹ (>upper normal limit) and showed ∆FVC%, but not PD₂₀ values significantly different from the 33 patients who had R5-R20 ≤ 0.03 kPa sL⁻¹ (15.8% ± 4.6 vs 11.5% ± 4.8, p < 0.01 and 156(96–254) μg vs 207 (134–322) μg, p = 0.382). In addition, ∆FVC% values were significantly related to the corresponding pre- (r = 0.451, p < 0.001) and post-MCT (r = 0.376, p < 0.01) R5-R20 values.

Conclusions

Our results show that in asthmatic patients, small airway dysfunction, as assessed by IOS, is strictly associated to BHR, expressed as excessive bronchoconstriction, but not as ease of airway narrowing.

Small airway dysfunction by impulse oscillometry in asthmatic patients with normal forced expiratory volume in the 1st second values

Small airways are relevant to the pathophysiology of asthma. We investigated whether in asthmatic patients with normal forced expiratory volume in the 1st second (FEV(1)) values, impulse oscillometry system (IOS), as a measure of small airway function, contributed additional information to spirometry either at baseline or after bronchodilator, and whether it was related to the disease control. The fall in resistance from 5 to 20 Hz (R5-R20) and reactance at 5 Hz (X5) by IOS and spirometry measures of small airway function (forced expiratory flow at 25-75% [FEF(25-75)] and forced vital capacity/slow inspiratory vital capacity [FVC/SVC]) at baseline and after 400 micrograms of salbutamol were prospectively measured in 33 asthmatic patients (18 women; age range, 18-66 years). Disease control was assessed by the Asthma Control Test (ACT). R5-R20 but not X5 values were significantly related to FEF(25-75) and FVC/SVC values (p < 0.05 for both correlations). When the bronchodilator response was assessed, no correlation was found among IOS and spirometry changes. ACT scores were related to R5-R20, FEF(25-75), and FVC/SVC values (p < 0.01 for all correlations). In asthmatic patients with normal FEV(1) values, R5-R20 values were related to spirometry measures of small airway function. However, when the bronchodilator response was assessed, IOS and spirometry provided quite different results. Moreover, small airway dysfunction, as assessed by IOS and spirometry, was associated with poor disease control and history of asthma exacerbations. The results of this study confirm the value of IOS, as an investigative tool, and suggest that in asthmatic patients with normal FEV(1) values and poor disease control, small airway function should be investigated.

Overweight is associated with airflow obstruction and poor disease control but not with exhaled nitric oxide change in an asthmatic population

BACKGROUND

The role of an elevated body mass index (BMI) in asthma remains controversial.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the relationship between overweight (BMI >25 and ≤30), lung function, disease control, and airway inflammation in an asthmatic population.

METHODS

We consecutively studied 348 patients (age 43 ± 16 years; 211 females). In all patients, BMI, spirometry, the Asthma Control Test (ACT), and fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO; ppb) were measured.

RESULTS

One hundred forty-five patients were overweight and, as compared to those with normal BMI, had lower values of FVC, FEV(1), and FEV(1)/FVC and of FEF(25-75) even when normalized for FVC (p < 0.05 for each comparison). The ratio between the number of patients with well-controlled asthma (ACT ≥20) and that of patients with poorly controlled asthma (ACT < 20) was significantly lower in overweight patients (1.07 vs. 1.84; χ(2) = 6.030, p < 0.01). In overweight patients, the odds ratio of uncontrolled asthma expressed by logistic regression analysis was 1.632 (95% CI = 1.043-2.553), independently of gender, atopy, smoking habit, and inhaled steroid therapy. No difference was observed in FeNO values between overweight and normal weight patients (27.7 ± 2.3 vs. 27.9 ± 2.2 ppb).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results show that, in an asthmatic population, overweight is associated with airflow obstruction and poor disease control but not with FeNO change. The findings of the present study support the view that other factors besides airway inflammation alone may explain the relationship between asthma and an elevated BMI.

Measurement of fractional exhaled nitric oxide by a new portable device: comparison with the standard technique

BACKGROUND

Fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) measurement is a reliable, noninvasive marker of airway inflammation. The use of portable FeNO analyzers may enable the assessment of airway inflammation in primary care.

OBJECTIVE

The authors compared FeNO values obtained by a new portable device (NObreath, Bedfont, UK) to those of the standard stationary analyzer (NIOX, Aerocrine, Sweden) in a large cohort of asthmatic patients.

METHODS

One hundred and fifty-four (age range: 14-83 years, forced expiratory volume in one second [FEV(1)] range: 48-134% predicted, asthma control test [ACT] range: 7-25) out of 168 recruited patients completed the study. Each patient performed at least two valid FeNO measurements at a constant flow rate of 50 ml/s on each of the two analyzers.

RESULTS

A significant relationship between the FeNO values obtained by the two devices (r = .95, p < .001) was found. Altman-Bland plot confirmed this agreement. Within-patient repeatability was excellent in both devices. Intraclass correlation coefficients for NIOX and NObreath values were .925 and .967, respectively. By means of receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, the FeNO cutoff points that better identified patients with ACT ≥ 20 were 15 ppb (0.84 sensitivity and 0.42 specificity) by NIOX and 25 ppb (0.53 sensitivity and 0.69 specificity) by NObreath. Easiness to use of both devices, assessed by visual analogue scale was not different.

CONCLUSION

FeNO measurements obtained by the new portable FeNO analyzer are reliable because they are directly comparable with those obtained by the stationary standard device. The use of portable instruments may facilitate the FeNO measurement in primary care.